Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of determining, based on a history of actual crank conditions, a crank health of a battery, wherein the crank health of the battery is defined as a remaining life of the battery connected to an electric starter motor for an internal combustion engine, wherein the battery is a single monobloc or a plurality of monoblocs that are electrically connected in series or parallel, the method comprising: receiving battery temperature data, representing a temperature of the battery at a time of cranking the internal combustion engine; receiving voltage data monitored from the battery; determining an instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery during the time of cranking the internal combustion engine; and determining the crank health of the battery based on a history of the battery temperature data and the instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery and not based on data derived from monitoring charge or discharge currents associated with the battery.
This invention relates to a method for assessing the remaining life of a battery used to start an internal combustion engine, focusing on cranking performance without relying on charge or discharge current data. The method evaluates battery health by analyzing historical cranking conditions, specifically temperature and voltage during engine starts. The battery may be a single unit or multiple monoblocs connected in series or parallel. The process involves collecting temperature data at the time of cranking and monitoring battery voltage to determine the lowest voltage reached during the cranking event. The battery's crank health is then calculated using this historical temperature and minimum voltage data, excluding any current-based measurements. This approach provides a simplified yet effective way to predict battery life based solely on thermal and voltage performance during cranking, avoiding the complexity of current monitoring. The method is particularly useful for maintaining vehicle reliability by identifying batteries nearing the end of their useful life before failure occurs.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the time of cranking is a threshold time of less than 100 ms.
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine during cranking to reduce emissions and fuel consumption involves monitoring the engine's cranking duration and adjusting fuel injection based on this duration. The method specifically limits the cranking time to a threshold of less than 100 milliseconds. During cranking, the engine's crankshaft is rotated by a starter motor to initiate combustion. The method detects the cranking phase and measures the elapsed time from the start of cranking. If the cranking duration exceeds the threshold, the fuel injection system is adjusted to optimize fuel delivery, ensuring efficient combustion and minimizing emissions. This approach prevents prolonged cranking, which can lead to incomplete combustion and increased emissions. The method may also include additional steps such as monitoring engine speed, adjusting ignition timing, and controlling air-fuel ratios to further enhance performance. By strictly limiting cranking time, the system ensures rapid engine startup, reducing fuel waste and emissions while maintaining reliable operation. The method is particularly useful in modern engines where quick startup and low emissions are critical for meeting regulatory standards.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the instantaneous minimum voltage is less than 8V.
A method for managing electrical power distribution in a system involves monitoring the voltage levels across multiple nodes to ensure stable operation. The system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by power lines, where each node can generate, store, or consume electrical power. The method detects voltage fluctuations at these nodes and calculates an instantaneous minimum voltage, which represents the lowest voltage observed across all nodes at any given time. To maintain system stability, the method ensures that this instantaneous minimum voltage remains below a predefined threshold, specifically less than 8V. This threshold is set to prevent voltage levels from dropping too low, which could lead to system malfunctions or inefficiencies. The method may also involve adjusting power flow, activating backup power sources, or redistributing loads to maintain the voltage within acceptable limits. By dynamically monitoring and controlling the voltage, the system avoids instability and ensures reliable power distribution. The method is particularly useful in decentralized power networks where multiple nodes contribute to the overall power supply, such as in microgrids or renewable energy systems. The focus on the instantaneous minimum voltage ensures that the weakest point in the network is reinforced, preventing cascading failures.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the remaining life is further defined as a prediction of the time remaining until the battery is not capable of starting the internal combustion engine.
A method for predicting the remaining useful life of a battery in a vehicle, particularly for ensuring the battery can reliably start an internal combustion engine. The method involves determining the battery's remaining life by analyzing its performance characteristics, such as voltage, current, and temperature, to assess its ability to provide sufficient power for engine ignition. The prediction accounts for factors like battery degradation over time, environmental conditions, and usage patterns to estimate the time remaining until the battery can no longer start the engine. This ensures the battery is replaced or serviced before it fails, preventing vehicle startup issues. The method may also incorporate historical data, real-time monitoring, and predictive algorithms to refine the estimate. By focusing on the battery's ability to meet the engine's starting requirements, the method provides a practical and actionable assessment of battery health.
5. A method of determining a crank health of a battery based on a history of actual crank conditions, wherein the crank health is defined as a remaining life of the battery connected to an electric starter motor for an internal combustion engine, wherein the battery is a single monobloc or a plurality of monoblocs that are electrically connected in series or parallel, the method comprising: detecting a crank event based on monitoring battery voltage; sensing a battery temperature (a Crank Temperature) and the battery voltage (a Crank Voltage) during the crank event; storing the Crank Temperature and the Crank Voltage associated with the crank event; and determining the crank health of the battery based on analysis of changes in the Crank Temperature and the Crank Voltage; wherein determining the crank health of the battery further comprises predicting a number of cranks remaining of the internal combustion engine for the battery based on analysis of trends in the Crank Temperature and the Crank Voltage over a plurality of crank events over time; and wherein predicting Remaining life further comprises one or more of: counting a number of crank events recorded in a single cell or a plurality of cells of a crank matrix; weighting the number of crank events recorded in the single cell or the plurality of cells of the crank matrix; and analyzing a history of the crank matrix and the changes in crank events in specific voltage and temperature ranges over time.
This invention relates to a method for assessing the health of a battery used to start an internal combustion engine, specifically predicting its remaining useful life based on historical cranking performance. The method addresses the challenge of determining battery degradation over time, particularly for batteries subjected to repeated cranking events, which can degrade performance and reduce lifespan. The method involves monitoring battery voltage to detect cranking events, during which the battery temperature and voltage are recorded. These values are stored and analyzed to determine the battery's crank health, defined as the remaining number of cranking events the battery can support before failure. The analysis includes tracking trends in temperature and voltage across multiple cranking events to predict remaining life. The method may use a crank matrix to count and weight crank events within specific voltage and temperature ranges, analyzing historical data to identify degradation patterns. The battery may consist of a single monobloc or multiple monoblocs connected in series or parallel. By evaluating these parameters, the method provides an estimate of the battery's remaining cranking capacity, helping to prevent unexpected failures and optimize maintenance.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the Crank Voltage is continuously monitored at a frequency high enough to detect an initial short circuit condition at the initiation of an engine crank.
This invention relates to engine control systems, specifically for detecting short circuit conditions during engine cranking. The problem addressed is the need to quickly and accurately identify electrical faults, such as short circuits, at the start of engine cranking to prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical system. Traditional systems may not monitor voltage at a sufficient frequency to detect such faults early enough. The method involves continuously monitoring the crank voltage at a high sampling frequency during engine cranking. This high-frequency monitoring allows for the detection of an initial short circuit condition as soon as it occurs at the beginning of the cranking process. The system compares the monitored voltage against predefined thresholds or patterns to determine if a short circuit is present. If a short circuit is detected, the system can trigger protective measures, such as shutting off power or alerting the driver, to mitigate potential damage. The high-frequency monitoring ensures that even transient or rapidly developing faults are captured, improving reliability and safety. This method is particularly useful in automotive applications where electrical faults during cranking can lead to significant system failures. By detecting faults early, the system helps prevent cascading failures and reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle's electrical components. The invention enhances diagnostic accuracy and response time, ensuring safer and more reliable engine operation.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the Crank Voltage is the near instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery during a cranking event representing an internal resistance of the battery.
A method for evaluating battery health during a cranking event involves determining the crank voltage, which is the near-instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery during the event. This crank voltage reflects the internal resistance of the battery, providing an indicator of its condition. The method includes measuring the battery voltage during cranking, identifying the lowest voltage point, and using this value to assess battery performance. By analyzing the crank voltage, the method detects degradation in the battery's ability to deliver high current, which is critical for starting an engine. The approach avoids relying solely on static measurements, instead capturing dynamic behavior under load. This technique helps distinguish between a healthy battery and one with increased internal resistance, which may indicate reduced capacity or impending failure. The method is particularly useful in automotive applications where reliable starting performance is essential. By monitoring the crank voltage, maintenance schedules can be optimized, and potential failures can be predicted before they occur. The technique provides a practical way to assess battery health without requiring complex or expensive diagnostic equipment.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein detecting the crank event further comprises: detecting a decrease in voltage greater than a threshold voltage occurring over a predetermined period of time; and wherein sensing the crank voltage during the crank event comprises sensing a minimum of the crank voltage across battery terminals of the battery during the crank event.
This invention relates to methods for monitoring battery performance during cranking events in vehicles. The problem addressed is accurately detecting and measuring battery voltage during engine cranking to assess battery health and performance. Traditional methods may fail to capture critical voltage fluctuations due to noise or rapid changes, leading to inaccurate diagnostics. The method involves detecting a crank event by identifying a voltage drop exceeding a predefined threshold over a specific time window. This ensures reliable detection of the cranking phase. During the crank event, the system measures the minimum voltage across the battery terminals, providing a precise indicator of battery performance under load. This minimum voltage value is crucial for evaluating battery condition, as it reflects the battery's ability to sustain high current demands during engine start-up. The method may also include additional steps such as filtering the voltage signal to remove noise and ensuring the detected voltage drop meets specific criteria before confirming a crank event. By focusing on the minimum voltage during cranking, the method provides a robust metric for battery diagnostics, improving the accuracy of battery health assessments in automotive applications. This approach helps prevent premature battery failure and enhances vehicle reliability.
9. The method of claim 5 , further comprising validating a battery warranty claim by evaluating the crank matrix to determine conditions of abuse of the battery and/or operation of the battery outside established warranty conditions.
This invention relates to battery monitoring and warranty validation systems, specifically for evaluating battery performance and detecting conditions that may void a warranty. The system collects and analyzes battery data, including voltage, current, temperature, and cranking events, to assess battery health and usage patterns. A crank matrix is generated to track battery performance during engine start events, capturing metrics such as voltage drop, recovery time, and current draw. The system compares this data against predefined thresholds and historical trends to identify potential battery abuse, such as deep discharges, overcharging, or excessive cycling. Additionally, the system checks for operation outside warranty conditions, such as use in extreme temperatures or improper installation. By analyzing the crank matrix and other battery metrics, the system determines whether a warranty claim is valid or if the battery's degradation is due to misuse. This helps manufacturers and service providers accurately assess warranty eligibility, reducing fraudulent claims and ensuring fair coverage for legitimate issues. The invention improves battery diagnostics and warranty management by automating the detection of abusive conditions and non-warranty-related failures.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein determining the crank health of the battery further comprises assessing crank health based on trends in at least one of the crank event, the Crank Voltage, and the Crank Temperature.
This invention relates to battery health monitoring, specifically assessing the crank health of a battery in a vehicle or similar system. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable evaluation of a battery's ability to provide sufficient power during cranking events, which is critical for engine starting and overall vehicle performance. Traditional methods may not account for dynamic conditions or long-term trends that affect battery health. The method involves monitoring and analyzing multiple parameters during cranking events to determine battery health. These parameters include the crank event itself, crank voltage, and crank temperature. By assessing trends in these parameters over time, the method provides a more comprehensive evaluation of battery condition. For example, voltage trends may indicate internal resistance changes, while temperature trends can reveal thermal degradation. The crank event data helps identify performance consistency and potential failures. This approach allows for early detection of battery issues, preventing unexpected failures and improving maintenance scheduling. The method integrates real-time data collection with historical trend analysis to enhance diagnostic accuracy. By continuously monitoring these parameters, the system can predict battery health degradation before it impacts vehicle operation. This proactive approach reduces downtime and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable battery performance. The invention is particularly useful in automotive applications where battery health directly affects engine starting reliability.
11. A method for assessing, based on a history of actual crank conditions, a crank health of a battery connected to an electric starter motor for an internal combustion engine, wherein the crank health of the battery is defined as a remaining life of the battery, wherein the battery is a single monobloc or a plurality of monoblocs that are electrically connected in series or parallel, the method comprising: detecting a crank event based on monitoring battery voltage; sensing a battery temperature (a Crank Temperature) and the battery voltage (a Crank Voltage) during the crank event; incrementing a counter in a cell, of M×N cells of a crank matrix, that corresponds to the Crank Temperature and the Crank Voltage associated with the crank event to create a history of crank temperatures and voltages, wherein each cell corresponds to a designated crank temperature range and a designated crank voltage range; determining the crank health of the battery based on the history of crank temperatures and voltages; and generating a notification of the crank health of the battery.
This invention relates to assessing the health of a battery used to start an internal combustion engine, specifically by evaluating its remaining life based on historical cranking conditions. The battery may be a single unit or multiple monoblocs connected in series or parallel. The method involves detecting crank events by monitoring battery voltage and then measuring both battery temperature (Crank Temperature) and voltage (Crank Voltage) during each event. These measurements are recorded in a crank matrix, which consists of M×N cells, each representing a specific range of crank temperatures and voltages. The matrix tracks the frequency of crank events within these ranges, building a history of battery performance under different conditions. The battery's health is then determined by analyzing this historical data, and a notification is generated to indicate the battery's remaining life. This approach allows for predictive maintenance by identifying degradation patterns based on real-world operating conditions. The system helps prevent unexpected battery failures by providing early warnings when cranking performance deviates from expected norms.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein detecting the crank event is based on monitoring a voltage across terminals of the battery.
A method for detecting crank events in a battery-powered system, particularly in automotive applications, addresses the challenge of accurately identifying when an engine cranking event occurs. The method involves monitoring the voltage across the battery terminals to detect fluctuations indicative of a crank event. This approach leverages the fact that cranking an engine draws significant current, causing a measurable voltage drop across the battery. By analyzing the voltage signal, the system can determine when the crank event starts and ends, enabling timely responses such as adjusting power distribution or triggering diagnostic checks. The method may also incorporate additional sensors or data sources to enhance detection accuracy, such as current sensors or engine control unit (ECU) signals. The primary advantage is a reliable, non-intrusive way to detect crank events without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections to the engine, reducing complexity and cost. This technique is particularly useful in electric and hybrid vehicles where traditional crankshaft position sensors may not be present. The method ensures proper battery management and system performance during cranking, improving overall vehicle reliability and efficiency.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein crank voltage data represents the crank voltage and crank temperature data represents the crank temperature, and wherein the crank voltage data, the crank temperature data, battery-specific data, and application-specific data are programmed into a battery monitoring circuit or a remote device.
A system and method for monitoring and managing battery performance in an automotive or industrial application. The invention addresses the challenge of accurately assessing battery health and state of charge (SOC) under varying operating conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and load demands. The method involves collecting and analyzing multiple data inputs, including crank voltage data, crank temperature data, battery-specific parameters (e.g., capacity, age), and application-specific factors (e.g., load profiles, duty cycles). These inputs are processed to determine battery performance metrics, such as SOC, state of health (SOH), and remaining useful life. The data is programmed into a battery monitoring circuit or a remote device, enabling real-time or predictive diagnostics. The system may also adjust charging or discharging parameters based on the analysis to optimize battery longevity and efficiency. The invention improves reliability by accounting for environmental and operational variables, reducing the risk of premature battery failure or suboptimal performance. The method is particularly useful in applications where battery performance directly impacts system functionality, such as in electric vehicles, backup power systems, or industrial equipment.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the crank voltage and the crank temperature counts are compared to empirical information about a specific engine type.
This invention relates to engine diagnostics, specifically a method for evaluating crank voltage and crank temperature data to assess engine performance. The method involves collecting voltage and temperature measurements during engine cranking and comparing these values against empirical data specific to the engine type. The empirical information includes expected voltage and temperature ranges for normal operation, allowing deviations to be identified. These deviations can indicate potential issues such as battery problems, starter motor failures, or other mechanical or electrical faults. The comparison process may involve statistical analysis, pattern recognition, or machine learning techniques to determine if the measured values fall within acceptable thresholds. If the values deviate significantly, the system may trigger alerts, log diagnostic codes, or recommend maintenance actions. The method improves engine reliability by detecting anomalies early, reducing downtime and repair costs. The empirical data is pre-loaded or updated based on historical engine performance data, ensuring accuracy for different engine models. This approach enhances diagnostic accuracy compared to generic thresholds, providing more precise fault detection tailored to specific engine characteristics.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein a visual indication of matrix cells that are acceptable or unacceptable may be adjusted based on the empirical information.
This invention relates to a method for evaluating and displaying the acceptability of matrix cells in a data analysis system. The method addresses the challenge of visually representing the suitability of data cells within a matrix, particularly in applications where empirical information influences acceptability criteria. The system dynamically adjusts visual indicators—such as color, shading, or symbols—to reflect whether each cell meets predefined acceptability standards. These standards are derived from empirical data, allowing the system to adapt to real-world variations in data quality or performance. The method ensures that users can quickly identify acceptable and unacceptable cells, improving decision-making in fields like quality control, risk assessment, or data validation. The visual adjustments are based on continuous or periodic updates to the empirical information, ensuring the display remains accurate over time. The system may also include user-configurable thresholds or algorithms to refine how acceptability is determined and displayed. This approach enhances transparency and efficiency in data-driven processes by providing clear, actionable visual feedback.
16. The method of claim 13 , determining whether a battery warranty is still valid based off of the crank voltage data, the crank temperature data, the battery-specific and the application-specific data.
A method for assessing battery warranty validity evaluates whether a battery warranty remains active by analyzing multiple data inputs. The process involves collecting and processing crank voltage data, which measures the battery's voltage during engine cranking, and crank temperature data, which records the temperature during the same event. Additionally, the method incorporates battery-specific data, such as the battery's age, type, and manufacturer specifications, as well as application-specific data, including vehicle type, usage patterns, and environmental conditions. By comparing these inputs against predefined warranty criteria, the system determines whether the battery's performance and condition align with the terms of the warranty. This approach ensures accurate warranty validation by considering both real-time operational data and contextual factors, reducing false claims and improving warranty management efficiency. The method may also integrate historical performance data to assess long-term degradation trends, further refining warranty decisions. This solution addresses the challenge of accurately determining battery warranty status in dynamic real-world conditions, where traditional methods may fail to account for varying operational and environmental factors.
17. The method of claim 11 , further comprising providing the notification, based on a crank matrix, of the crank health of the battery.
A method for monitoring and assessing the health of a battery in an energy storage system, particularly focusing on cranking performance. The method involves analyzing the battery's ability to deliver high current during engine cranking events, which is critical for starting internal combustion engines. The system collects data from the battery during cranking events, including voltage, current, and temperature, and processes this data to determine the battery's state of health (SOH) specifically related to cranking performance. The method further includes generating a crank matrix, which is a data structure that correlates battery parameters with cranking performance metrics. This matrix is used to assess the battery's crank health, providing insights into its ability to reliably start an engine. The system then provides a notification based on the crank matrix, alerting users or maintenance systems when the battery's crank health falls below a predetermined threshold, indicating potential failure or reduced performance. This notification can trigger maintenance actions or replacements to prevent engine start failures. The method ensures that the battery's cranking capability is continuously monitored, improving reliability in applications where engine starting is critical.
18. The method of claim 11 , further comprising displaying a visual indication of whether the battery has been abused or operated outside established conditions by measuring temperatures and voltages at which cranking operations have been performed, and illustrating, in a crank matrix, the cumulative instances of said temperatures and voltages at which cranking operations have been performed.
This invention relates to battery monitoring systems, specifically for detecting and visualizing battery abuse or operation outside established conditions. The system measures temperatures and voltages during cranking operations, tracking cumulative instances of these conditions to identify potential battery abuse. A crank matrix is generated to visually represent the frequency of cranking events at specific temperature and voltage combinations, allowing users to assess battery health and operational history. The method involves collecting temperature and voltage data during cranking, analyzing the data to determine if conditions fall outside safe operating limits, and displaying the results in a matrix format. This helps users identify patterns of abuse, such as excessive cranking at high temperatures or low voltages, which can degrade battery performance. The system provides a clear, visual summary of battery stress over time, aiding in maintenance and diagnostics. The invention is particularly useful in automotive and industrial applications where battery reliability is critical. By monitoring and visualizing these parameters, users can take preventive measures to extend battery life and avoid failures.
19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the remaining life is further defined as a prediction of the time remaining until the battery is not capable of starting the internal combustion engine.
A method for predicting the remaining useful life of a battery in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine addresses the challenge of accurately estimating battery performance degradation over time. The method involves monitoring battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and charge/discharge cycles to assess its condition. By analyzing these parameters, the method calculates the battery's remaining life, specifically predicting the time until the battery can no longer reliably start the internal combustion engine. This prediction accounts for factors like battery age, usage patterns, and environmental conditions to provide a more accurate estimate of when replacement or maintenance may be required. The method helps prevent unexpected battery failures, ensuring vehicle reliability and reducing downtime. By integrating real-time data and historical performance trends, the system dynamically adjusts its predictions to reflect the battery's current state, improving decision-making for maintenance and replacement planning.
Unknown
November 10, 2020
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